You’re staring at that vacuum-sealed pack of Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon in your freezer. It’s been there for a while. You bought it during a frantic run to the Florida warehouses back in October, and honestly, you probably forgot about it. But then you saw the headlines about the Costco salmon FDA recall, and now you're wondering if that bagel topper is actually a biohazard.
It is. Well, potentially.
The situation with the Acme Smoked Fish Corp recall has evolved from a routine notice into something much more serious. The FDA didn't just flag it; they slapped it with a Class I designation. That is the highest risk level the agency has. It means there’s a "reasonable probability" that eating it could lead to serious health consequences or even death.
The Nitty Gritty of the Costco Salmon FDA Recall
This wasn't a nationwide wipeout, which is where a lot of people are getting confused. If you're in Seattle or New York, you're likely fine. This specific headache was targeted.
Acme Smoked Fish Corp, out of Brooklyn, realized something was wrong after lab tests confirmed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes. They pulled 111 cases of the Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon (the twin 12-ounce packs). These were distributed specifically to the Southeast Costco Distribution Center in West Palm Beach and then filtered out to Florida warehouses between October 9 and October 13, 2024.
How to Check Your Stash
Don't just toss everything. Look for these specific markers:
- Product: Kirkland Signature Smoked Salmon (Twin 12-oz packages).
- UPC: 0 96619 25697 6.
- Lot Number: 8512801270.
- Best-By Date: 11/13/2024.
Wait, the date is in the past? Yeah. That’s exactly why the FDA upgraded the risk to Class I in early 2025. People see an old date and think, "Oh, it's just a little past its prime," or they’ve shoved it in the deep freeze thinking it’ll last forever. Listeria doesn't care about your freezer. It’s one of the few bacteria that can actually survive and even grow in cold temperatures.
Why Listeria is the Uninvited Guest You Can't Ignore
Listeria is a weird one. Unlike Salmonella, which usually hits you like a freight train a few hours after a bad taco, Listeria is a slow burner. Symptoms can show up anywhere from a few days to 70 days after exposure.
For a healthy adult, it’s usually a miserable bout of fever, muscle aches, and maybe some GI distress. You’ll feel like you have the flu. But for the "vulnerable" groups—pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems—it's a different story. In pregnant women, it can cause miscarriages or stillbirths even if the mother barely feels sick.
Honestly, the "Class I" upgrade was the FDA's way of screaming, "Check your freezer!" because they know how many of us buy in bulk and store for months.
Misconceptions About the Recall
One big mistake people make is thinking that if the salmon looks fine and smells fine, it’s safe. Bacteria aren't like mold; they don't always change the texture or scent of the fish. Another common error? Assuming all Costco salmon is tainted.
Costco moves a massive amount of fish. The fresh Atlantic salmon, the frozen sockeye fillets, and the canned salmon were not part of this specific Costco salmon FDA recall. This was strictly the refrigerated/frozen smoked variety from Acme's specific lot.
The Paper Trail
- October 21, 2024: Lab tests confirm Listeria.
- October 25, 2024: Voluntary recall initiated.
- January 2025: FDA upgrades to Class I risk level.
- Early 2026: Ongoing monitoring for any delayed illness reports.
To date, there haven't been confirmed illnesses linked directly to this specific lot, which is a miracle considering the risk. But that doesn't mean you should take the gamble for a $20 pack of fish.
What You Should Actually Do Now
If you find that lot number in your kitchen, do not open it. Do not give it to the dog. Even small amounts of contaminated juice can get on your counters or other food.
- Wrap it up: Put the package in a sealed plastic bag.
- Return it: Take it back to any Costco for a full refund. They are famous for their return policy, and for a Class I recall, they’ll handle it quickly.
- Sanitize: If the package was sitting directly on a shelf in your fridge, wipe that shelf down with a diluted bleach solution. Listeria is hardy.
- Monitor: If you did eat it recently and start feeling "flu-ish," tell your doctor specifically that you consumed recalled smoked salmon.
If you’re still worried or have questions about other products, you can actually reach out to Acme Smoked Fish Corp directly at 718-383-8585. They’ve been pretty transparent about the whole ordeal, which is more than you can say for some companies during a PR crisis.
The bottom line is pretty simple: the Costco salmon FDA recall is a reminder that the convenience of bulk shopping comes with the responsibility of checking those "best-by" dates and lot codes when the news breaks. Your freezer is a great tool, but it’s not a time machine that kills bacteria.
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Check your freezer today. If you've got lot 8512801270, get your refund and buy a fresh pack that hasn't been flagged by the feds.